Raising Brave Adventurers

Pink stinks, and mighty girls rule, right? If you’re not down with that statement, then this post probably isn’t for you. I want to raise my girls to be gutsy, strong and independent, try out all those things that ’only boys do,’ and never feel that career options like engineering, fire-fighting, and general leadership are out of reach if they want them.

Sure, it can be tough to raise brave, adventurous girls – even to this day. You only need to take a walk down the aisle at your local toy store to see the distinct difference between what manufacturers make for boys and what they offer girls.

There’s peer pressure to deal with, too. You can spend the first few years teaching your kids that gender doesn’t matter, but once they get to school, a lot of that hard work can go out of the window when they form their first friendship groups.

The big question is, what can you do as a parent to ensure your kids grow up to be brave and adventurous if that’s what they wish? Here are a few suggestions…

While it’s still tough to fight against societal norms when it comes to raising girls, things are definitely a lot easier when it comes to role models these days – in fiction and real life. There’s Rey in the new Star Wars franchise, Wonder Woman, and Katniss from The Hunger Games. The celebrity world has plenty of butt-kicking, independent women to look up to, too – think Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey, and Serena Williams. And then there’s the world of science, politics, and activism – women such as Malala Yousafzai, Amal Clooney, and Michelle Obama are all worthy heroes you could talk about with your girls.

Get them on a bike

As soon as possible, get your girls riding a bike. It’s incredibly scary for them, taking control of this superfast, massive lump of metal. But it’s often the first fear they will conquer, and it’s also an opportunity to discuss those fears and start understanding their emotions. There are other options available if your girls don’t like bikes, of course. Check out some of the top rated razor electric scooters for a good example of what’s available, or there’s roller blades, skateboards, and Segways – all kinds of products that can give your kids a little independence from an early age.

Give them freedom

We’re used to wrapping up our children in cotton wool these days – particularly our girls. But is it the right thing to do? Giving them a longer leash can help your girls start experiencing the world on their terms. As long as you make your kids aware of the dangers – and explain what to do when they occur – letting them outside on their own can be a great way to give them space and freedom to dream, imagine, and have their own adventures. Safety first, of course – and there should be strict guidelines of distance – goes without saying. But, as a final point, stifling the adventurous spirit will also dampen their potential.